The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Helena unit is planning to install a heavy-duty fence on the Portage Coulee State Trust Lands parcel, about 15 miles northeast of Great Falls.

The fence is in response to the ongoing issue of damage associated with recreational shooting and littering, according to the state.

Cleanup and installation of the site will occur June 1-15.

Notifications will be posted at the site when work is being completed. For the safety of those helping with cleanup and fence installation, DNRC asks that people avoid recreational shooting in this area when posted. All other recreational use is encouraged and all state trust land rules still apply. 

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“Trust lands are working lands that generate revenue to support the funding of K-12 schools and other state institutions in Montana,” Dylan Craft, DNRC Helena unit land use specialist, said in a release. “Excessive litter, traffic and destructive behavior is continuing to damage this resource and reduces its ability to generate revenue.”  

DNRC’s previous attempts to remedy the situation include signage, trash clean up, working with law enforcement, and site monitoring. Those measures have been unsuccessful, prompting the fence installation to allow public access only on foot.

“We really want to focus on livestock safety and keeping the area clean to allow the grazing lessee to use the land according to the terms of their lease. We intend for the pipe fence to be a more permanent solution in comparison to past fences that have been quickly destroyed. If abuse of the resource continues, we will have to consider other options, to include permanent closure of the property to recreational use,” Craft said in a release. 

Negligent firearm use that creates an immediate threat to public safety, livestock or private property should be reported to the local sheriff’s office by calling 911.

Other recreational use violations or damage to state trust lands should be reported by calling 1-800 TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668) or submitted online.